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Removing Pickup Cover on a Gibson Les Paul Traditional

guitarplyr

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Joined
Aug 15, 2022
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4
Hello,

I have a 2012 Gibson Les Paul Traditional guitar model number LPTD-ITCH1. From what I found online perhaps these are the pickups I have that came with the guitar:
  • Neck Position: ’57 Classic
  • Bridge Position: ’57 Classic Plus
Currently both pickups have the metal/silver cover over the pickups. I would really like to remove the pick up cover from the one closer to the bridge but only if the color of the pickup is black but unfortunately I cannot tell what color it is without removing the pickup cover first. Would anyone happen to know if the color of the pickups specifically the one near the bridge would be black for a 2012 Gibson Les Paul Traditional?

Also, anyone have experience doing this? I will probably have a guitar tech do it but are there any down sides to doing so? This is mainly for esthetics so that it looks like the following:

efbvi5huwfeceggdafie.jpg


Thanks!
 

-JB-

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Joined
Jan 17, 2022
Messages
20
Removing the pickup cover isn't too bad if you know how to solder, especially if there is no wax potting.

Here's a good video/tutorial by ThroBak:
 

charliechitlins

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 16, 2021
Messages
1,020
Best to cut the solder with a dremel.
If the cover is stuck on, it's probably potted and you can hit it with a blow dryer until it lets go.
If you don't like the results, just heat the solder and flow it back together.
 

Wilko

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Mar 11, 2002
Messages
20,854
take out the screws on the back to see the bobbin color (likely black). Dremel cut is good way to remove the covers. I use a soldering gun.
 

guitarplyr

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Aug 15, 2022
Messages
4
Thank you for your replies. I will have a guitar tech do this as I am not experienced with doing these types of things. In your opinion though, these model of pickups are most likely all black? Thanks!
 

El Gringo

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Apr 8, 2015
Messages
5,657
Thank you for your replies. I will have a guitar tech do this as I am not experienced with doing these types of things. In your opinion though, these model of pickups are most likely all black? Thanks!
That would be my guess .
 

guitarplyr

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Aug 15, 2022
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It is mainly for esthetics so it looks like the picture in my first initial post. I just want to be confident that this model would have all black pickups like in the picture as I know its not a simple thing to do. Thank you!
 

guitarplyr

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Aug 15, 2022
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Why do you want to take the cover off?
It is mainly for esthetics so it looks like the picture in my first initial post. I just want to be confident that this model would have all black pickups like in the picture as I know its not a simple thing to do. Thank you!
 

8ohms

Member
Joined
Aug 31, 2003
Messages
173
Wilko has the correct answer and you can do that part yourself. Removing the cover is a fairly simple procedure. A razor blade and a soldering iron is my choice. Works like a charm. You’re taking a chance with a dremel wheel. You may catch the cover or base plate and put a permanent mark on it.
 

Coachmoe

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 23, 2002
Messages
1,139
It is mainly for esthetics so it looks like the picture in my first initial post. I just want to be confident that this model would have all black pickups like in the picture as I know its not a simple thing to do. Thank you!
Be careful. If you love the sound of your bridge pickup with the cover on, just know that removing the cover will change the tonal characteristics of the pickup. It will become sharper, edgier, raspier, more treble.
 
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